INTERVIEW: Publishing next for MTV?

Entertainment media behemoth MTV is keeping a close eye on the current culture of consolidation at the top level in games – and refused to rule out a move to swoop for a publisher.

In an exclusive interview with MCV, conglomerate MTV Newtorks also discusses the ‘definite possibility’ of a self-publishing move – and leveraging its relationship with other companies owned by Viacom. These include Paramount, which last month told MCV that its own self-publishing operation could be on the cards.

And when asked whether he’s been keeping a close eye on acquisitions in the industry, he added: “We’re tracking it very closely. If the right opportunity came along in terms of strategy, we couldn’t rule it out.”

Salmi also revealed to MCV that the $500 million MTV has set aside to make a major splash in the games industry is “not set in stone” and “could end up being even greater”.

MCV is the leading trade news and community site for all professionals working within the UK and international video games market. It reaches everyone from store manager to CEO, covering the entire industry. MCV is published by NewBay Media, which specialises in entertainment, leisure and technology markets.